
Contents3
ContentsManual structure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowing luggage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Belt tension devices*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital display in the instrument panel  . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering column controls*
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio + Telephone Control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Panoramic tilting roof*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rearview mirrors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and stowage
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowage compartments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and power point  . . .  First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher*
Boot  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
 . . 
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control system (CCS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Practical tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control ABS
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*  . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gasses purification system . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Economical and ecological driving  . . . . . . . . . . 
5
6
7
7
7
9
14
15
16
16
18
21
25
26
26
29
31
35
38
40
40
42
45 49
49
49
51
52
57
68
68
68
70
72
72
76
77
78
81
83
85
88
88
94
95
96
99
102
102
103
105
107
108
111 113
114
117
117
120
123
126
128
128
129
130
131
133
134
141
143
144
149
149
149
150
151
153
153
154
155
160
162
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 3  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Safe driving15
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
•
If the pedals are obstructed, an accide nt may occur. Risk of serious inju-
ries.
•
Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
•
Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor 
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk 
of accident.
Stowing luggageLoading the boot
All luggage and other loose object s must be safely secured in 
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could affect safety or 
driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly  in the luggage compartment.
– Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the  luggage compartment.
– Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart- ment.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other objects in the boot could cause serious inju-
ries.
•
Always put objects in the luggage compartment.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown 
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or  even third parties. This increased 
risk of injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an 
inflating airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into 
“missiles”. Risk of fatal injury.
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting 
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to  adjust your speed and driving style 
accordingly, to avoid accidents.
•
Never exceed the allowed axle loads  or allowed maximum weight. If the 
allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-
acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and 
damage to the vehicle.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is 
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door 
behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal 
risk.
•
Never allow children to play in or  around the vehicle. Close and lock 
both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you 
lock the vehicle, make sure that ther e are no adults or children in the 
vehicle.
•
Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every 
passenger must be properly belted in ⇒ page 16.Note
•
Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used 
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that the ventil ation slits are never covered.WARNING (continued)
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 15  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Cockpit59
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in 
serious personal injuries or damage to your vehicle.
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a 
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to 
prevent danger to thirds.
•
The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the 
bonnet to work on the engine or in  the engine compartment, you must 
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or 
other kind of injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings 
⇒ page 181.
Automatic selector lever  lock (automatic gearbox) ⇒page 64
Fuel level / reserve  ⇒page 64
Doors open ⇒page 64
Tailgate open ⇒page 65
Airbag or belt tension device system fault or airbag disabled ⇒page 27
Main beam switched on ⇒page 65
Electro-hydraulic steering ⇒page 65
Fault in the emission control system ⇒page 65
Coolant level / coolant temperature  ⇒page 65
Alternator fault ⇒page 66
 
Turn signals in operation ⇒page 66
SAFE Electronic immobiliser ⇒page 66
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A12A13A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21
WARNING (continued)
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 59  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Cockpit
64•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with 
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
•
The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, 
the button ⇒ page 63, fig. 37  must be kept pressed while the ignition is on 
until an acoustic signal is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or 
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value 
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor 
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator 
 lights up
If the tyre pressure of one wheel is much lower than the value set by the 
driver, then the indicator lights up.  ⇒
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and 
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check 
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre 
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in 
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or 
function incorrectly.
Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator 
 lights up after turning 
the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey.
Speed selector lever lock* 
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is 
necessary when the automatic gearbox*  selector lever is moved out of the 
positions  P or  N.Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank under the 
reserve level.It lights up when only 7 litres of  fuel remain in the tank. Moreover, an  audible 
warning*  is heard. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as possible 
⇒ page 178.Indicates that the doors are open* 
This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light 
 should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 64  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Cockpit65
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Tailgate open* 
The warning lamp 
 should switch off when the tailgate is fully closed.
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp 
 is switched on once main beams are on or once the 
headlight flasher is operating.
Further information  ⇒page 93
Electro-hydraulic steering* 
The level of steering assistance depends on the vehicle speed and on the 
steering wheel turning speed.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
There is a fault in the electro-hydraulic steering system if the lamp does not 
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. Take the vehicle to the 
Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
Note
When towing the vehicle with the engine stopped or due to a fault in the 
power steering, this will not operate. The vehicle can still be steered, but it 
will require greater force to turn the steering wheel.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp 
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce 
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the 
engine checked.
Warning lamp  is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the 
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to 
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
Coolant Level* / temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too 
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while 
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒  are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature 
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the warning li ght lights up, stop the vehicle, switch the engine off and wait 
for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the over heating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary  ⇒page 211.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 65  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Unlocking and locking
72Unlocking and lockingCentral lockingDescription
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all 
doors with just pushing on the keybutton.Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:•
the key , by inserting it into the driver's door cylinder and rotating it manu-
ally,
•
the interior central locking button  ⇒ page 75.
•
the radio frequency remote control, using the buttons on the key 
⇒ page 77.
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety:
- Locking system “Safe”
- Selective unlocking system*
- Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
- Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
- Emergency unlocking system
WARNING
•
Locking from the outside without seeing may cause bruising to other 
people, particularly tochildren.
•
When locking a vehicle, never leave children unaccompanied inside, as 
from the outside it will be difficu lt to provide assistance if required.
•
Having the doors locked prevents an intrusion from getting in, for 
example when stopped at a traffic light.
Note
For anti-theft security, only the driver's  door is fitted with a lock cylinder.Safety system “Safe*”
This is an anti-theft device which consists of a double lock for 
the door locks and a deactivation function for the boot in 
order to prevent a forced entry.Activation
The “safe” system is activated when the vehicle is locked using the key or the 
remote control.
To activate it with the key, rotate once  it is inserted in the door lock cylinder 
in the locking direction.
To activate the system using the remote control, press the lock button once   on the remote.
Once this system is activated, opening doors from the outside and the inside 
is not possible. The tailgate can not  be opened. The central locking button 
does not work.
Deactivation
Rotate the key inserted in the lock cylinder twice towards the locking direc-
tion.
To activate the system using the remote control, press the lock button on the 
remote twice   in less than five seconds.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 72  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Unlocking and locking
74Involuntary unlocking
It is an anti-theft system  and prevents the unintentional 
unlocking of the vehicle.If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are 
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically.Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehicle 
from the outside when it is running (for example, when 
stopped at a traffic light).Locking
The doors lock automatically after exceeding 15km/h. The tailgate locks 
automatically after exceeding 6 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and any of its doors open, when starting again and 
exceeding the mentioned speed, all doors will lock again.
Unlocking
On withdrawing the ignition key, the vehicle will returns to its status prior to 
self-locking.
Each door can be unlocked and opened independently from the inside (for 
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever 
inside the door.
Activating the system*
With the ignition on, press the locking key on the central locking system 
within 3 to 10 seconds. Deactivating the system*
With the ignition on, press the unlocking key on the central locking system 
within 3 to 10 seconds.
In both cases, if the operation has been carried out correctly, the locking lamp 
will flash   
⇒page 75, fig. 40 .
WARNING
The door handles must not be operat ed when the vehicle is running: the 
door would open.
Note
If the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle gets unlocked, 
except for the boot. It is possible to lock the vehicle from inside with the 
central locking, after tu rning the ignition off and back on again.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 74  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Unlocking and locking75
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Central locking button
The central locking button allows you to lock and unlock the 
vehicle from the inside.Locking the vehicle
– Press the button   ⇒fig. 40  ⇒ .
Unlocking the doors
– Press the button   ⇒ fig. 40.The central locking button is still operative when the ignition is switched off. 
Except when the "safe" security system is activated.
Please note the following if you lock your vehicle with the central locking 
button:•
Safety reasons make not be possible to open the doors or the tailgate 
from the  outside (for instance, when stopped at a traffic light).
•
The driver door cannot be locked. This avoids the user from forgetting his 
key inside the vehicle.
•
All doors can be locked separately from inside the car. Do this by pulling 
the door release lever  once.
WARNING
•
If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped 
inside it.
•
Repeated operation of central locking will prevent the central locking 
button from working for a few second s. Then, it can only be unlocked in 
case it has been previously locked.  After few seconds, the central locking 
becomes operative again.
•
The central locking button is not op erative when the vehicle is locked 
from the outside (with the remote control or the key).Note
•
Locked vehicle, button 
•
Unlocked vehicle, button  . 
Fig. 40  Central locking 
button
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 75  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17